GTE Financial Executive Named Finalist in Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2017 CIO of the Year Awards

GTE Financial announced that one of its top executives, Chad Burney, is a finalist in the 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal (TBBJ) CIO of the Year awards. The TBBJ recognized his accomplishments and achievements alongside fellow CIOs in Tampa.

“Chad has been instrumental in developing a variety of key tools and features that streamline services for our members and help make the process more efficient for our employees,” said Brian Best, CEO of GTE Financial. “We are extremely proud of his accomplishments and thrilled he has received this recognition,” added Best.

Burney played an integral role in implementing a new fleet of anti-skimming ATMs and the first mobile app for GTE as well as revamped the online banking system. As CIO, he also keeps close tabs on GTE’s cyber network, which has remained free from hacks or breaches and has maintained a 99.9% uptime of critical systems.

“For me, and especially in the technology world, the goal in many cases is to be that steady dial tone and to be that non-event. Opportunities of recognition that highlight GTE Financial and all the hard-working teams behind-the-scenes, is extremely meaningful,” said Burney.

Three years ago, Burney suffered a severe back injury while on a hunting trip with his son. During his recovery, he became a part of the nonprofit organization, Tighten the Drag Foundation. It supports those who have suffered catastrophic spinal cord injuries by providing scholarships, rehabilitative therapy and recreational therapy activities. Burney led the fundraising efforts at GTE Financial, which raised more than $15,500 in 2017 for the charity.